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Contents
  • Electrodiagnostic Testing
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Advanced Testing

How is Polyneuropathy Diagnosed? The Tests You Need to Know

How is Polyneuropathy Diagnosed? The Tests You Need to Know

What's This About?

Diagnosing polyneuropathy involves several tests to determine the cause and extent of nerve damage. Learn about these diagnostic steps and why they're important.
Contents
  • Electrodiagnostic Testing
  • Laboratory Tests
  • Advanced Testing

Electrodiagnostic Testing

Electromyography (EMG) and nerve conduction studies (NCS) are often the first tests conducted for diagnosing polyneuropathy. These tests measure how well and how fast nerves can send electrical signals. They help determine whether the neuropathy is axonal or demyelinating, which is key to understanding the underlying cause.

Laboratory Tests

Laboratory tests can provide clues about possible underlying conditions causing polyneuropathy. Blood tests for glucose levels, vitamin deficiencies, and thyroid function are commonly conducted. These tests are selected based on the patient's history and electrodiagnostic results.
Polyneuropathy is a condition involving damage to multiple peripheral nerves, often diagnosed through electrodiagnostic testing and laboratory tests.

Advanced Testing

In some cases, more specialized tests like genetic testing or nerve biopsy might be necessary. These are typically reserved for cases where the cause is not clear from initial tests. Advanced testing can help identify rare conditions or hereditary factors.

FAQs

What is EMG?

EMG is a test that measures muscle response to nerve signals.

What do nerve conduction studies do?

They test how fast and well nerves can send electrical signals.

Are blood tests important?

Yes, they can reveal underlying conditions causing nerve damage.

When is genetic testing needed?

It's needed when hereditary neuropathy is suspected.

The Bottom Line

Accurate diagnosis of polyneuropathy involves a combination of tests to pinpoint its cause.
Consult Doctronic to understand which diagnostic tests might be right for you.
Additional References
  1. England JD, Gronseth GS, Franklin G, et al. Practice Parameter: evaluation of distal symmetric polyneuropathy. Neurology 2009; 72:185.
  2. Berini SE, Dyck PJB. The utility of nerve biopsy in carefully selected patients in modern neuromuscular practice. Muscle Nerve 2019; 59:635.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic.